MISSION STATEMENT:

As a leading Alaska drug and alcohol treatment center, True North Recovery Inc. is on mission to provide our community with client centered, culturally competent behavioral health treatment with same day access to services through: Evidenced based best practices, partnerships, and authentic community-based recovery support services for alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and treatment for other addictive lifestyles.

We work to foster a safe and supportive environment for peer-centered education, services and engagement. Our programs and partnerships open pathways to recovery by removing social barriers and creating opportunities for those seeking and maintaining long-term recovery.

JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Peer Support Specialist

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, full-time

CLASSIFICATION: Hourly

LOCATION: 2650 Broadview Ave, Wasilla AK 99645

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

General Functions:

The Day One Peer Support Specialist is responsible for role modeling overall wellness and mentoring to all individuals who receive an intake into 3.2 services. This position works directly with clients to model recovery and have a strong belief that all people can recover from addiction and obtain happiness. The Peer Support Specialist will role model self-advocate in the recovery community and participate in community activities seeking out opportunities to share their story. Work directly with client, family, sponsors and community supports to remove barriers, address relapse triggers, and re-build fractures positive relationship.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide family members with information on support resources available through groups and organizations in the state of Alaska.
• Assist, when appropriate, family members and others to understand possible warning signs and triggers, appropriate supportive responses, wellness measures, and the overall recovery process.
• Assist recovering individuals to have their voices fully heard
• Support individuals in identifying their areas of need for treatment services and to communicate these needs to provider staff.
• Provide crisis support as needed
• Assist individuals in utilizing resources to help them become more independent (e.g. public transportation, support groups, using computers, obtain library card, training, vocational services, education, finances, health and wellness, etc.
• Assist individuals in identifying barriers to their recovery, and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Provide education and advocacy within the community that promotes awareness of mental health, serious emotional disturbance, OUD and co-occurring disorders, and reduces barriers such as stigma and misconceptions.
• Maintain a working relationship will all community partner agencies.
• Continue to stay current on training and education needed to perform duties to a high standard.
• Assist individuals in developing and utilizing natural supports and resources in the community (e.g. support groups, making friends, spiritual support, etc.)
• Work with peers and staff to identify community supports and help individuals understand how to utilize these resources in the recovery.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINUMUM REQUIRMENTS

• High school diploma or general equivalency degree
• Peer Support Specialist certification or Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification I (CDC I) working towards a (CDC II) in accordance with State requirements.
• Demonstrates a healthy lifestyle and has the ability to share their recovery story.
• Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Two years’ experience working with individual in a substance-use related field.
• Two years’ experience providing peer support services.
• Strong understanding of community resources and referral agencies.
• If in recovery must be in remission for TWO (2) years and working a program of recovery.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certified or able to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory state and federal background check, approved National Provider Identifier Standard (NPI) status, and state Approval as a Qualified Addictions Professional (QAP) or a Provisional (QAP)
• Must have a valid Alaska Driver's License and insurable under True North vehicle insurance.

PREFFERED REQUIRMENTS

• Associates Degree in Social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. 
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certified
• Current NPI and QAP
• Peer Support Trainer
• Working knowledge of state DBH regulations.

SKILLS, ABILITIES,

• Knowledge of alcoholism and drug addiction as a disease.
• Ability to communicate proficiently verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to respond to crises situations and emergencies with good judgment.
• Ability to deescalate agitated clients
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with clients

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Understanding of Trauma informed care.
• Understanding of addiction and recovery
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and initiative.
• Demonstrate positive work ethic and organizational skills.
• Exercise good judgment.

BENIFITS

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off Accrual
• Paid Sick Days
• Paid training and credentialing. 

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

The relationship between you and the True North Recovery Inc. is referred to as "employment at will." This means that your employment can be terminated at any time for any reason, with or without cause, with or without notice, by you or the True North Recovery Inc. No representative of True North Recovery Inc. has authority to enter into any agreement contrary to the foregoing "employment at will" relationship. You understand that your employment is "at will," and that you acknowledge that no oral or written statements or representations regarding your employment can alter your at-will employment status.

Disclaimer

The information above has been designed to indicate the general nature of duties within this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.